Director of Research & Enterprise, University of Sussex

Brighton, United Kingdom

Are you ready to lead transformative change in the realm of research and innovation?

The University of Sussex is seeking an experienced professional to join our team as the Director of Research and Enterprise. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate closely with the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) to shape and execute our research and enterprise plans in alignment with the Sussex 2035 strategy.

As the Director of Research and Enterprise, you will be the driving force behind our efforts to enhance, protect, and maintain our research reputation. Your responsibilities will encompass promoting and supporting all research and innovation activities, including the REF (Research Excellence Framework) and KEF (Knowledge Exchange Framework). The Director is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the Division of Research and Enterprise Services (RES), ensuring the delivery of high-quality research support to our academic community.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will enjoy a high level of autonomy and responsibility to achieve strategic and operational goals. Collaboration with fellow professional services Directors and key academic stakeholders will be essential to delivering effective services. The role demands comprehensive knowledge of research and enterprise activities within higher education, an excellent knowledge of the research policy landscape, and requires personal initiative to identify opportunities for growth, improvement and impact.

Your role will encompass significant decision-making, accountability for bid support and grant management, and oversight of the divisional budget. Successful submissions to the REF and KEF will be critical for income growth and research reputation. You will manage a team of professionals and represent the division in key university forums and committees.

Join Us

If you are ready to make a lasting impact on research and innovation at the University of Sussex and drive excellence in service delivery, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Please click here to read a Welcome Letter from the Vice-Chancellor
The University of Sussex stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation nestled within the serene landscapes of the South Downs National Park in Brighton, England. Established in 1961, the university has since cultivated a rich legacy of intellectual curiosity and societal engagement.
At the University of Sussex, a diverse community of scholars, students, and staff converge to explore the frontiers of knowledge and address the pressing challenges facing our world today. Through its interdisciplinary approach to education, the university fosters an environment where conventional boundaries are transcended, and new perspectives are embraced.
With a wide array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs, the University of Sussex empowers its students to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. Faculty members, renowned in their respective fields, lead pioneering research endeavours that push the boundaries of human understanding and drive positive change.
Beyond academic pursuits, the university offers a vibrant campus life enriched by a myriad of extracurricular activities, cultural events, and community engagement initiatives. From sports clubs to cultural societies, there are ample opportunities for students to connect, grow, and thrive.
Committed to sustainability and social responsibility, the University of Sussex strives to minimise its environmental impact and actively contribute to the well-being of local and global communities. Through collaborative partnerships and outreach efforts, the university seeks to make a tangible difference in the world.
The University of Sussex welcomes you to join in its mission of knowledge creation.
Please click here to view the Job Description
All applications must include:
• A full curriculum vitae/resume
• Quoting the relevant role reference number: A038986
• A covering letter highlighting the aspects of the job description and the University of Sussex that particularly attract you to the post (Microsoft Word document)
• Contact details for three referees, these will not be contacted without your permission. (References should validate a minimum period of six years employment)
• A completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (which you will be redirected to once you have submitted your application) *

Monitoring
One of Alumni Global’s and the University of Sussex’s objectives is to ensure that its workforce is reflective of the local community and therefore we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. So that we can successfully achieve these aims, while it is not mandatory we would encourage every applicant to complete the “Equal Opportunities Monitoring form” so that we can measure the effectiveness of our efforts. The Recruiting Manager does not have access to the Monitoring Information Sections of the application form at any stage of the process and the information provided will be kept entirely confidential.
For a confidential discussion on this role please contact:
Beth Stickney, Principal Researcher, on +44 7703 821 996.
Candidate adjustment
If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made as part of the recruitment process please can you advise us so that we can ensure this is accommodated.
Key Milestones:
Closing date: Friday 5th April 2024
Informal stakeholder meetings and campus visit: Monday 29th April 2024
Final Interviews: Thursday 2nd May 2024
Please ensure you have made a note of the final interview date(s). We recommend that you bookmark this microsite, as any potential updates regarding the role will be posted online.